Last week I met with a friend via FaceTime; she was preparing dinner in her kitchen while I lay sprawled on the couch. When she stepped back to grab something from the fridge, my eyes immediately went to her puffy, calf-length buttocks. “You’re wearing a bubble skirt! They’re everywhere now!” – I told her enthusiastically, changing the topic of the conversation. She was very ecstatic with this news. And I meant what I said: the bouncy style fan club seems to be growing by the minute, as evidenced by all the tasters and labels flocking to the flirty look.
Although it appears on the left and right, the puffy bottom harkens back to the 1950s. In fact, according to the FIDM Museum, Novel York Times in a 1958 article, she considered the look “one of the most stunning evening dance outfits”. Hubert Givechy played with the silhouette throughout the decade (exactly in ’54 and ’56), and Yves Saint Laurent debuted his bubble dress in ’59. However, it only reached its peak of popularity in the 1980s thanks to the support of leading women of the decade, including Princess Diana and Naomi Campbell. In 1987, the overdue royal made a grand entrance at the annual Cannes Film Festival wearing a navy and white bouncy bauble number under a fitted double-breasted jacket. In the same year, the legendary supermodel posed for a photo Fashion Photo session in Great Britain wearing a bubble dress courtesy of French fashion designer Christian Lacroix. Swift forward to the beginning and Paris Hilton became the poster girl for flirty looks.
Swift forward to 2024 and slowly but surely, the balloon silhouette is creeping back into the fashion world. For example, on the spring/summer 2024 runways, designers cemented this look as the recent look du jour. Bally offered an intriguing chartreuse mini version with an additional strap oomph. At Aknvas, a billowing white style with a dramatic center slit was paired with a statement acid-wash denim jacket. And then there was the chocolate brown confection seen on the MSGM runway.
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Suffice it to say, the bubble skirt isn’t going anywhere this summer. So if you follow fashion, get inspired by the five styles we have before us.
Keep it classic
Your bubble skirt outfit doesn’t have to be too trendy. If you prefer timeless, classic styles, combine a cute white mini with a plain black sweater, elegant leather loafers and polished pearls.
Everything is ready
When it comes to hectic mornings, having a few foolproof summer styling recipes in your back pocket is the key to success. Must-try combination? Matching set. More specifically, why not opt for a balloon midi skirt like this flowing style from Cinq à Sept, paired with a fitted button-up fastening? Finish with flats if that’s your style for the office, and for the weekend, wear strappy lace-up sandals.
Apply this on a layer
You probably already know all about the trend of wearing dresses over pants. But have you heard of emerging skirt-do they look like pants? If the answer is no, take a look at this duo in this photo by influencer Alyssa Coscarelli. She perfectly wore a puffy miniskirt over black pants. To make sure your top isn’t competing for attention, follow her lead and wear a loose, ribbed tee.
Ecstatic color
When styling a women’s outfit, don’t be afraid to play with accents. Here, stylist and writer Michelle Li styled her pastel pink style with a lime green quilted handbag, Mary Jane-esque sneakers, and gray knee-high socks. What if you’re feeling extra brave? Add a bulky beaded necklace to the mix.
Eye-catching accessories
Another way to add balloon-shaped accessories? With pumps and a handbag in slightly different shades of the same color as shown above. Pastel pink combined with a lighter shade is a striking combination, but you can always test it with blue, green or yellow. Finally, combine the outfit with an oversized gray jacket.
